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The developer for the “North Star” solar energy project has filed for a combined high voltage transmission line (of about one mile in length) and for a permit to allow installation covering about 800 acres of solar array sites.

Community Energy’s project is filed with the Public Utilities Commission under North Star Solar PV LLC.  Plans are for generating at least 100 Mw from parcels lying mostly to the north of the Lent Township electric substation, with acreage also immediately to the west of the substation included in the configuration,  presented to the state regulators. (See map.)

The parcels involved are Lent Township, where the existing Xcel substation is located and in section 2, Sunrise Twsp. sections 31 and 30 and the city of North Branch, sections 25 and 36.

The transmission line route for the connection of the arrays to the substation includes an estimated 25 poles 70 feet in height.

Notice of local public hearing dates will be in the Chisago County Press and the legal notice announcing the filing is included in this week’s newspaper.  
At this time the permit review is moving forward under state regulatory authority.  North Star could be under construction by 2016, the permit application states.

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